Hockey: Series ends on a high note

New Zealand ended their four-test series against the United States with a win, even though they lost the rubber 2-1.

The 3-2 victory at Porritt Park in Christchurch in the final match was some consolation after the Americans had won the first two tests, with the third drawn.

There was more confidence and teamwork in New Zealand's play and they should have won by more, considering the amount of possession they had.

New Zealand were ahead after only four minutes, with Niniwa Roberts-Lang scoring after new cap Tara Drysdale bewildered the defence with superb stickwork.

Six minutes later, Moira Senior, playing her 100th international, made it 2-0 when she intercepted a pass across the circle by American defender Katherine Kauffman.

The visitors hauled a goal back three minutes from halftime when Carla Tagliente scored from a penalty corner variation.

New Zealand had just one goal to show for a surfeit of possession in the second half. It went to Suzie Pearce 20 minutes into the spell after some classy work by new cap Amanda Christie.

Tagliente closed the gap for the Americans with her second goal a couple of minutes from fulltime.

- NZPA